Can you get sick from tap water in Mexico? (9 Secrets)

A single accidental gulp of water can cost you three days of your vacation and hundreds in medical bills.

So, can you get sick from tap water in Mexico?

Absolutely.

But if you know how to treat your own water and what to avoid at the dinner table, you can travel with total peace of mind.

Here are the top ways to avoid getting sick…

• Tap Water NEVER drink!
• Watch the Ice
• The “Peel It or Cook It” Rule
• Avoid Raw Leafy Greens
• Build up Your Gut Health
• Keep Your Mouth Shut in the Shower
• Dry Your Dishes
• Street Food Smarts
• Brush with bottled Water

Keep reading, and I’ll go over these tips in more detail, plus 1 crazy secret that saved me from getting sick!

Is tap water in Mexico safe to drink for tourists?

A long time ago, I flew into Mexico City and then on to Cancun for some serious partying.

The golden rule back then was “never drink the tap water.” It’s the same today.

What I recommend is a Steripen.

It kills 99.99% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses. Plus, it’s very easy to use.

All you do is twirl it into some water, and in 90 seconds you’re done. Super lightweight and small.

Heck, you can do it at a cafe, even under the table, not to insult the host.

A single Steripen is rated at around 8,000 treatments.

Say 1 Steripen filters 1 bottle of water (which it can do more) and 1 water bottle is $4, then you would save $32,000. Nice right?

Plus, they are very inexpensive, and you can see if Amazon has any deals.

Not including helping the environment.

All the plastic bottles that people buy sucks for the environment. Plus, plastic bottles are actually unhealthy to drink out of.

There are microsplastics you can’t see, BPH, and even bacteria sometimes. I wrote a whole post that goes into more detail. Plus, it shares 12 other benefits of this Steripen!

Can you have ice in drinks in Mexico resorts?

In expensive resorts, ice is usually made from filtered water.

But at local stalls, it may not be.

So, when in doubt, skip the ice.

If you’re not sure, but don’t want to insult the host. You can remove the ice and then under the table run the Steripen in the glass, and now you have peace of mind.

How to avoid parasites in Mexico fruit and vegetables

If you’re going to eat fruits, it’s best to stick to the ones you can peel yourself.

You know, like bananas, oranges.

If you’re going to eat vegetables, it’s best to stick to the ones that have been cooked a lot.

Why you should avoid eating salad in Mexico

Sadly, it’s best to avoid raw leafy greens.

Salads are often washed in tap water. Instead, maybe try hot, steamed, or fried sides instead.

When in doubt, it’s best to go with your gut instinct (not when you’re hungry).

Like if you’re unsure about something, just don’t do it.

My friend and I were in Cancun, Mexico, and met some guys at a bar who wanted us to come on their boat.

We were unsure about it and just passed. For some strange reason, these guys were really angry that we did not go on their boat.

It was very weird. Maybe they were looking to kidnap us.

Speaking of safety, a wonderful discreet way to stay safe is with a tactical pen.

Not only is it good for self-defense, but it also has lots of uses, such as breaking glass if you’re trapped.

It has a whistle for emergencies, a flashlight, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, plus it writes too.

They can also be a great present too. They are durable and very inexpensive.

During the Pacific Coast Trail hike, I carried bear mace, and boy, did I feel like a dork. A tactical pen you can also take anywhere, and it’s more hidden and looks normal.

You can hide it in your pocket, and it’s peace of mind. Plus, it’s easier than a knife or mace.

Best probiotics to take before traveling to Mexico

Before you trip, it’s not a bad idea to build up your gut health.

Some places will tell you to eat more probiotics. Yes, probiotics can help, but what is better is prebiotics.

• Probiotics – These are external ‘good’ bacteria you swallow.
• Prebiotics – These are natural plant fibers that act as fuel for the good bacteria you already have.

Your gut has good bacteria that fight the bad bacteria, like a battlefield.

When you consume probiotics (like yogurt), it just adds a little bit of good bacteria to your gut (A few more soldiers).

The problem is that many die before they reach your gut.

When you consume prebiotics, it helps the good bacteria have sex, and they grow a ton. Technically, they reproduce through binary fission (they split in two).

This is why I recommend prebiotics. You can see what type of deals Amazon has on them.

Accidentally swallowed shower water in Mexico

This sounds a little silly, but it works.

It is easy to accidentally swallow water when doing this act.

How to safely wash dishes with Mexico tap water

Yep, it’s best to be hardcore about drying dishes.

Tiny droplets of tap water can carry bacteria. The last thing you want is to be sick during your vacation.

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you can end up sick, injured, or your travel plans can change. I remember traveling through France, and the day I was on a train, the workers decided to strike.

Being very cheap, I actually slept at the bus station in Lyon, France. It didn’t work because security kicked everyone out. What a miserable night!

It’s not a bad idea to look into travel insurance.

It can cover Medical Emergencies like doctor visits and hospital stays that can cost tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.

Insurance covers emergency evacuation.

Insurance often covers lost or stolen gear. I used to live in a Southeast Asian country, and I had TONS of stuff stolen from me.

Insurance can also reimburse you for hotels, flights, and tours that are booked. With travel things just change, right?

The insurance I recommend is the most budget-friendly; it has no age limit, it’s valid in any country in the world, and you can get insurance in under 60 seconds.

Plus covers COVID-19 treatment and quarantine costs.

You can view this insurance and see if they still have a discount.

Is it safe to wash your hands with tap water in Mexico?

It is generally fine to wash your hands with tap water, just make sure to dry them really well.

It’s also not a bad idea to get a tiny thing of hand sanitizer and use it a lot.

Reminds me of COVID days, right?

Using the hand sanitizer before every meal is smart. Especially handling cash!

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Mexico?

The real issue is that we are creatures of habit.

When I was in Mexico, I almost accidentally brushed my teeth with faucet water when I was waking up.

I’m so used to doing it.

A great tip is to put a bottle of water right by the sink, just to dummy-proof it for yourself.

This way, it reminds you to brush your teeth with filtered water and not tap water. Even if you’re half asleep, it may save you from getting sick.

Is Mexico street food safe to eat for beginners?

Sometimes it seems that traveling is about balancing risks.

One way to reduce risks is to look for stalls where locals are going to it.

When in doubt, follow the locals, right? Maybe look for stalls with high turnover, and the meat is cooked fresh, not sitting out.

Closing: Can you get sick from tap water in Mexico?

I hope this post might have been helpful.

I found my travels with affiliate marketing. What’s great about it is you can do it anywhere, around your busy schedule, in nearly any niche, like travel, and have tons of fun doing it.

Plus, you can earn money!

I’m giving away a short cheat sheet with the system I use. Plus, my system is insanely fun!

Have a wonderful day.